Former Ghana international Augustine Arhinful has rued the absence of Asamoah Gyan for Ghana’s 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Egypt on Sunday, but remains confident the Stars will come up tops.

The Black Stars are set to face the Pharaohs on matchday two of the group stage of the Africa zone at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

Ghana were held to a scoreless draw by Uganda at home on their group opener, while Egypt picked up a valuable 2-1 away triumph over Congo in Brazzaville.

“I think the Black Stars are ready because they’re professionals and they know what is at stake,” Arhinful told Goal.

“Ghana drew with Uganda and Egypt won at Congo but it will be a different ball game now. It doesn’t mean that because we did not win against Uganda, we cannot go to Egypt and win or play well over there.

“Every game has it’s [dynamics]. I understand the team [Black Stars] is in Dubai [UAE]. I’m sure the coach will fine tune his tactical play to face the Egyptians.”

The Black Stars will play without Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah, who has been absent from the national outfit since 2014, as well as the injured captain Asamoah Gyan.

“Kwadwo Asamoah has been out of the team for so long, so I don’t think we should be discussing him,” Arhinful added.

“I’m not sure if he’s played any game for the Black Stars after the World Cup.

“Asamoah Gyan’s absence will be a big blow. He is our captain and the talisman of the team.

“We’ll miss him, but we need to go there and perform.”

Gyan is Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 48 goals in 96 matches.

Arhinful represented the West Africans at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations.